freshare.net
Summertime is upon us and that means the increased use of all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs. Riding ATVs is an enjoyable recreational activity for many youths and adults, but safety should always be at the top of the summer fun list.
Research shows ATV usage is on the rise, leading to higher incidences of rider injury and mortality. Arkansas averages more than 15 ATV-related deaths every year and has one of the nation’s highest rates of injury for youth ages 16 years and younger. Almost 90 percent of ATV crashes in the state occur with drivers under the age of 16 driving an adult-sized ATV.
Even with these staggering statistics for injuries and death involving youth, ATV safety is relevant for riders of all ages, including adults. Serious injuries affect more than 100,000 people each year in the United States.
The ATV Safety Institute offers these golden rules for safe ATV riding:
* Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
* Never ride on public roads - another vehicle could hit you.
* Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
* Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.
* Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.
* Supervise riders younger that 16; ATVs aren’t toys.
* Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
* Take an ATV RiderCourse
“Another important safety tip is to take the certified ATV Safety Institutes ATV RiderCourse, says Mike Klumpp, associate professor of 4-H youth development for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. “The state 4-H program through the division’s Cooperative Extension Service offers a half-day safety course in counties throughout the state.”
Klumpp says 4-H offers these safety courses through a grant funded by the ATV Safety Institute and National 4-H Council as part of national 4-H ATV safety grant program.
“We’ve trained 24 county extension agents and state faculty as licensed ATV instructors through the ATV Safety Institute, or ASI,” Klumpp says. “These instructors deliver the ASI ATV RiderCourse to their communities.”
More than 300 youths and adults have completed this hands-on, 16-lesson program since its 2008 inception. In addition over 7,400 youths have been introduced to ATV safety through classroom programs.
Through the RiderCourse program, the instructors provide educational components needed to develop critical-thinking and good decision-making skills to force change in ATV-related behaviors and for a reduction in ATV-related injuries and deaths in the state.
The four-hour course is a fast-paced, hands-on training session that includes pre-ride inspection, starting and stopping, quick turns, hill riding, emergency stopping and swerving, and riding over the obstacles. The session concludes with a trail ride putting into practice everything learned in the session.
“Participants also learn about protective gear, local regulations, places to ride and environmental concerns,” Klumpp says. “The RiderCourse is a great way for youths and adults to start off a safe riding season.”
The RiderCourse is valued by the ATV Safety Institute at $75 per person for youth six to 15 years of age and $125 per person for riders older than 15 years. The 4-H ATV Safety Program currently doesn’t charge for this training.
The 4-H program is able to offer the training at minimal to no cost with the help of a grant from the ATV Safety Institute and National 4-H Council to continue its efforts helping youth and adults become safe ATV riders, according to Klumpp. This marks the second year the program has received this specific grant.
To find a RiderCourse in your county, visit http://www.uaex.edu, call the state 4-H office at 501-671-2059 or contact your county extension agent for a course in your area. 4-H is the youth development arm of the U of A Division of Agriculture.